Sebastien Bourdais has said he is considering taking legal action after being dropped by Toro Rosso.
Frenchman considering taking legal action
Sebastien Bourdais has said he is considering taking legal action after being dropped by Toro Rosso.
The Italian team confirmed on Thursday that they had released the Frenchman who, according to team principal Franz Tost, had "not met our expectations".
Despite winning four consecutive Champ Car titles in the United States, the 30-year-old has scored a mere six points in 27 grands prix over the past two seasons.
He has also been outperformed by his team-mates - Sebastian Vettel in 2008 and Sebastien Buemi this season - but has nevertheless said he thinks the team have breached the terms of his contract.
"I am very disappointed and shocked by the decision taken by Toro Rosso of not allowing me to drive for the team until the end of the current season," Bourdais said.
"I consider that in doing so, Toro Rosso has breached its contractual duties towards me.
"I also believe nothing in my behaviour would legitimate a decision of the team to terminate the contract.
"I think the team's decision is in clear violation of Toro Rosso's obligations under the agreement.
"I have instructed my lawyers to review the situation, including the possibility of issuing legal proceedings."
Upgrade
Toro Rosso's decision comes just as they introduce a major upgrade to their Ferrari-powered STR4 for next weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix, something Bourdais believes he could exploit.
"I am even more frustrated by the team's decision considering it has been taken immediately before the Hungarian Grand Prix where a new, highly competitive racing package will be introduced in order to try and overcome current difficulties," he added.
"I am convinced if I was given the chance to race with such a new package I would have had the opportunity to achieve satisfactory results."
Bourdais also insisted his "motivation is intact" and that he remains committed to Formula One, but it is almost certain Spanish teenager Jaime Alguersuari will take the seat in Budapest.
